Reader stands up for right to peaceably assemble

The Constitution and the Bill of Rights are not suspended during a state of emergency. Our right to free speech and the right to peaceably assemble are still intact.

Some people were "appalled" by the protesters in Lansing and claim that people will die because a few weren't social distancing as they should. Michigan State Police stated,"There were no executive order violations issued. The majority of demonstrators remained in their vehicles, and most of those who were on foot were practicing social distancing."

Those people who were "appalled" have the right to their opinion. But the protesters also have their right to express their displeasure with our elected officials.

We are used to seeing college kids or protesters like Antifa. The April 15 protest in Lansing consisted of regular citizens — citizens who would normally be working on a Wednesday afternoon but because of the shutdown can't work and are seeing their livelihoods going down the drain.

This was probably the first time most of those people ever protested. They feel they can work — and work safely. And they feel they can enjoy outdoor activities and enjoy them safely. They feel that many of the executive orders make no sense.

I applaud them for speaking their minds and not being intimidated by others that would like them to stay home and blindly obey.